Say hi to Topo the van!

Topo, our 2019 Ford Transit camper van by VanDoIt.

In early March we drove to Blue Springs, MO, to the headquarters of VanDoIt, a custom camper van company. Months earlier, we had ordered a 2019 Ford Transit van and selected our options for the interior. Now, we were about to meet our new fun vehicle.

We had also chosen the quarter-wrap with a topographic map theme, rejecting green for the background as looking a bit too…tactical. Dark blue hit the spot, though, and I quickly decided we should name her Topo.

VanDoIt’s system revolves around a modular setup that allows for easy and infinite variation. Topo has a moveable bed platform, a kitchen pod with refrigerator, and a gear slide to which bikes can be attached. It has interior lights and outlets, as well as USB ports, powered by the onboard DC electrical system, independent of the van’s battery. Other nice touches include heat, a/c, a reversible ceiling fan, and insect netting for the doors.

We’re really happy with Topo and with VanDoIt’s way of doing business. We’re especially excited that they have partnered with World Bicycle relief to deliver specially designed, locally assembled, durable bicycles for people in need. In their words, “For every van purchase, VanDoIt will donate a bike to a person in need through World Bicycle Relief. World Bicycle relief has developed an efficient, innovative, and scalable model to empower students, health workers, and entrepreneurs in rural developing regions with life-changing mobility.” Very very cool!

The gear slide holds up to 750 pounds, plenty for two bikes or a small beerfest after the ride.

So far we’ve spent two comfy nights in Topo, and driven her to Mississippi for a couple of book events. As the pandemic eases and spring happens, we’ll be looking at the atlas and planning some road trips for 2021.